The Branch at Emerald High

Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union and Emerald High School have partnered to operate a student-run credit union branch inside the high school. This initiative brings real world financial literacy and education into the school and allows students enrolled in Emerald High School real life experience and preparation for both college and future careers. Students earn course credit and gain hands on experience as they manage and operate a fully functioning Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union.  

The student-run branch is named “The Branch at Emerald High” and carries its own branding reflective of the Emerald High School brand. Students, faculty, and staff have daily access to the financial services provided by The Branch at Emerald High. The student-run branch is not open to the general public.  

This initiative is a first for Greenwood County Schools. Thirteen selected students will work along-side a teacher leading the student-run branch. The students received in-depth training over the summer to prepare them for operating The Branch at Emerald High. At the completion of the summer-long training, students are capable of not only handling cash and opening new accounts, but also implementing growth strategies through a marketing plan they develop.  

We at Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit union, seek to provide students with authentic experiences in their classrooms and in our community so that they are receiving more than just a high school diploma. Through this generous partnership with Greenwood District 50, we are able to provide the most authentic training experience available. The opportunity for our students to be trained as credit union employees and to gain real-world preparation in a professional environment is priceless,” said Greenwood Municipal’s Marketing/Business Specialist, Samantha Byrd. “With the operation of The Branch during the school day, the entire student body will have an opportunity to learn and practice personal financial management skills.


Benefits to Students, Faculty and Staff

Student Specialists: 

  • Earn course credits throughout the school year 

  • Receive real-world, on the job training 

  • Gain financial literacy 

  • Develop leadership, marketing, and organizational skills 

  • Practice networking 

  • Become involved in school and community events  

Faculty, Staff and Students: 

  • Gain financial literacy 

  • Enjoy convenient daily access to credit union services 

  • Access money-saving and reasonably priced financial services 

  • Receive membership incentives and gifts

  • Take pride in having the only school credit union in Greenwood


Membership and Accounts

The first step is to join Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union by becoming an official Member.  

Membership Requirements 

Student Membership: open a Share Savings Account with a $5 deposit (minimum) 

Staff Membership: open a Share Savings Account with a $25 deposit (minimum)  

Membership Benefits 

No joining fee for becoming a member 

Qualify for all eligible membership perks such as access to discount entertainment tickets 

Cast your vote at our Annual Membership Meeting  

Account Options for Emerald High Student Members 

Student Share Savings Account 

Student Share Checking Account

Account Options for Emerald High Staff Members 

Emerald High Staff are eligible to apply for any adult (age 18+) accounts and services offered by the credit union.



How to Join

For Student Membership: Start your application online. Complete all fields and submit.  

Then bring the following to The Branch to complete your membership application: 

  • $5 Deposit into Student Savings 

  • Emerald High Student ID 

  • Primary ID - a valid Driver’s License, Permit, State ID, Passport, Military ID, Birth Certificate or Social Security Card  

Look for your welcome email from the credit union with important account details.

For Staff Membership: Start your application online. Complete all fields and submit.  

Then bring the following to The Branch to complete your membership application: 

  • $25 Deposit into Share Savings 

  • Emerald High Staff ID 

  • Primary ID - a valid Driver’s License, Permit, State ID, Passport, Military ID, Birth Certificate or Social Security Card

Look for your welcome email from the credit union with important account details.